- Must visit
National Railway Museum
A major railway museum with historic locomotives, royal carriages and engineering exhibits. An easy choice for families and transport fans.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to York
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£32
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£35
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
2 h 36 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
3 h 10 m
Trains on 05 Sept
2
Distance
109 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to York is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to York will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
Fast trains
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 2 trains from Preston to York, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 109 km distance in an average of 3 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 36 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 44 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:503h44Preston12:34York£321One-way0 changes
8:442h36Preston11:20York£381One-way0 changes
- 8:442h36Preston11:20York£381One-way0 changes
- 8:503h44Preston12:34York£321One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Preston to York
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to York among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 55m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, while a train costs an average of £23.
Distance: 109 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£23 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest | £22 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to York is a coach with an average price of £21.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to York:
A coach is £2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to York costing on average £23.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to York is by train with an average journey time of 2h 25m.
Other travel options to York take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 15m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and York including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £23 compared to roughly £22 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-1.23. The journey takes 2h 25m versus 1h 59m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Preston to York train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to York trains for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:44 Preston | 2h36 | 11:20 York | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:50 Preston | 3h44 | 12:34 York | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to York by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
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06 Sept
06 Sept
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07 Sept
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11 Sept
11 Sept
Why should you book Preston to York trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Preston to York.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to York.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Preston to York.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to York.
Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Preston to York.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to York.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to York
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to York run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:30, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 109 km distance in 2h 13m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 109 km |
Average train duration 2h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 13m |
First train 1:30 |
Last train 23:49 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Preston to York trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Preston and York from £17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
2h 13m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£17
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Transpennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£26
Transpennine Express frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£57
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
2h 17m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£53
TransPennine Express frequency
14 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
2h 11m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£50
Northern Trains Limited frequency
31 a day
Complete guide to York
Things to do in York
Discover the best of York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect York trip today.
- Must visit
JORVIK Viking Centre
An immersive museum street with recreated shops, period rooms and social history exhibits that bring everyday York life to life.
- Recommended
Yorkshire Museum
A broad city museum in riverside gardens, covering archaeology, Roman York, medieval objects and changing local life.
- Must visit
The Shambles
A narrow medieval street with overhanging timber buildings, independent shops and one of York’s most recognisable scenes.
- Recommended
Museum Gardens
Peaceful public gardens beside museum buildings and abbey ruins, ideal for a central stroll, picnics and riverside breaks.
- Recommended
Stonegate
A handsome Georgian street leading to the Minster, known for boutiques, facades and a classic approach through the old city.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
York Peppermint Pattie
A famous York sweet: dark chocolate-coated peppermint fondant, made in the city since the 20th century and strongly associated with York’s confectionery heritage.
- Vegetarian
Yorkshire Tea Loaf
Traditional Yorkshire tea loaf made with dried fruit and tea, often served sliced with butter. A classic regional bake long linked with teatime in York and Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Pudding
A broad, crisp batter pudding served with roast beef and gravy. It is one of Yorkshire’s best-known traditional foods and a staple in York pubs and Sunday roasts.
Legacy at The Grand
Refined British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting inside The Grand. A strong choice for a special meal in central York.
Rustique
Popular modern British restaurant focused on local produce, seasonal cooking and a relaxed bistro feel near the city walls.
Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms
Well-known traditional tearoom serving afternoon tea, cakes and light lunches in a classic Edwardian-style setting popular with visitors and locals.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller northern cities, but usually below London. Walking helps keep local transport costs low.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
York Railway Station -> York Minster, York
- Distance
- 0.9 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Tap On Tap Off with contactless works on First Bus services in York and caps adult travel at the day ticket price.
- York city buses are run by several operators, so check whether your ticket is operator-specific before you board.
Trains from Preston to York
Trains from Preston to York take 2.5 hours and are operated by Northern rail. Direct trains operate along this route from early in the morning until late at night with a frequency of one per hour from Tuesday to Thursday. On Fridays to Mondays there are fewer direct journeys and none at weekends, instead there are many indirect journeys which still take 2.5 hours and simply involve a change at Manchester Piccadilly. Trains depart from Preston Railway Station in the centre of the city and arrive at York Railway Station, close to the centre of York City.
FAQs: Preston to York train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to York by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at York, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to York can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £23.
The train journey from Preston to York covers a distance of 109 km and takes approximately 2h 13m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Preston to York is 109 km.
The first train from Preston to York leaves at 1:30.
The last train from Preston to York departs at 23:49.
Trains from Preston to York run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to York.
Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and York. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited.
To get from Preston to York, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Preston to York.
The train station in Preston that goes to York is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at York station (YRK).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to York is by train, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Preston to York in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Preston to York offers a scenic experience as it traverses the picturesque landscapes of northern England, including views of rolling hills, charming villages, and the Pennines.
A day trip from Preston to York is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 13m. However, trains run 7 times per day.
In York, you can explore the York Castle Museum to learn about its social history, walk along the York City Walls for scenic views, and visit the York Art Gallery for a diverse collection of art. Enjoy a boat tour on the River Ouse or a ghost tour through the city's haunted streets. Notable sights include York Minster, The Shambles, Clifford's Tower, Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum, each offering unique insights into York's rich heritage and history.
To fully explore York's historic attractions, museums, and vibrant culture, a stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to York.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and York
Most Preston to York trains use the Preston to York station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and York train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in York
Which Preston station do trains to York leave from?
Trains from Preston to York leave from Preston. The station is 1 km from Preston city centre at Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · £8 · every ~36 min
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Which York station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to York arrive at York. York is 1 km from York city centre.
YorkYork station, Station Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1AB+44 800 200 6060
City-centre transport
Getting to York from York city centre
BusY12, Y14, 15, X15 · 4m · £3 · every ~4 min
37 · 7m
Cs · 28m · £4 · every ~5 min
York train station facilities and services
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at York.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to York
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from York and Preston
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